When searching for a new furnace for your home, the first thing you need to know is if you have gas or oil, the two most common furnace types. This determination made, there are many other features to factor into your decision making process. No matter how you approach it, the wide selection of Trane heaters will make your search easier.
Annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, is the measure of how much fuel is converted by the furnace to produce heat. This is the common rating system for furnace models, allowing you some guidance in evaluating the efficiency of various units. A furnace that is at least fifteen years old today likely has an AFUE of only 65%, where newer furnace systems will have a rating in the range of 80% up to 97%. There is a requirement by the Environment Protection Agency that a furnace must have a minimum annual fuel utilization efficiency of 78%. This means that your furnace is converting at least 78% of the fuel used into heat for your house. By selecting a unit with a higher AFUE you can save money by reducing your fuel bill.
The climate where you live will factor into your furnace decision. If you live in a very cold climate you will have different needs than someone living in a temperate climate area. Those who are very knowledgeable about furnace fuel efficiency seem to agree that a furnace with an AFUE rating of at least 80% is sufficient if you live in a warmer climate zone. Further, if recouping your investment in a new furnace is part of your plan, and you have an expectation of moving in less than five years, experts suggest that an 80% rated furnace may be a better decision.
The XV95 Gas Furnace offers one of the highest efficiency ratings in the industry with an AFUE of 96.7%. Additional positives of this furnace include a variable speed fan that adjusts to allow for a consistent flow of warm air, and two-stage gas heat that provides more control to adjust for comfort, and to help maintain a constant temperature in your home. This also provides greater fuel efficiency, making this furnace relatively cheap to operate. The negatives of the XV95 are that it is more expensive to purchase, and installation can be more complicated due to the potential need for modifications or new venting.
With the XL90 Gas Furnace you get a two-stage heating system that provides consistent gentle warming through the house. Rated at 92% efficiency, the XL90 will have lower energy costs than lower rated units over an extended period of time. The negatives of this furnace include a higher purchase price than other units that will make it take longer to break even on your investment through energy savings alone. In addition, the XL90 may require specialized installation modifications or venting, much like the XV95 does.
The XT80 Gas Furnace might be the right furnace for your home if you live in a climate zone that does not get extremely cold, or you are not likely to stay in your current home for at least five years, which is the time generally considered for saving enough on heating bills to offset the purchase. The XT80 has an AFUE of 80%, and while low compared to other models, it is likely higher than your older furnace. To offset the lower efficiency rating, the purchase price is lower than other models, and the XT80 will probably be easier to install, as it does not require the specialized venting of some systems. The negatives of this model are that you pay for the lower efficiency with higher energy costs, since the system will use more gas.
The primary reason you would select the XV80 Oil Furnace is because gas is not available to you. Also known as a sealed-vent oil furnace, this type of furnace is not as common as a gas model, but it can be as efficient as some gas models, with an AFUE rating of 85%. This model provides a comfortable warming of your home through the use of a variable speed fan that operates quietly. The negatives of the XV80, or any oil furnace, are that you will pay higher fuel costs than with gas. In addition, you must be proactive to keep your oil tank adequately full to meet your energy consumption needs.
This has given you a high level view of just a few of the models of Trane heaters that are available. What you have to consider are what factors are most important to you in making the decision to purchase a new furnace. Key points to consider in your decision process should include the level of efficiency you require, and how much you are willing to pay for that efficiency. You should also factor in how long you think you will remain in your home, what you are able to pay for the new furnace and whether one justifies the other. Once you have made these buying criteria decisions you can begin the evaluation and selection of a new heat source for your house.
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